FRIDAY'S NHL PREVIEWS

(SportsNetwork.com) - Despite playing without stars Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, the Chicago Blackhawks are a perfect 4-0 in April and the club hopes to pick up a fifth straight win when it visits the Washington Capitals on Friday.

Kane hasn't played since March 19 due to an injured left leg, while Toews has sat out all four games during the recent hot streak with an upper-body issue. Both players are out for the rest of the regular season, but could be ready to return in time for Game 1 of the playoffs.

Chicago has earned its playoff berth and is locked into Central Division's third-place spot. That means the defending Stanley Cup champions will open the postseason on the road against either Colorado or St. Louis.